Metrobank names 10 outstanding Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — The Metrobank Foundation has announced the 10 awardees of its 2018 career service award for outstanding Filipinos in academe, military and the police.

Named in this year’s roster are four teachers, three soldiers and three police officers who were recognized for rendering service above and beyond the call of duty.

“We again present 10 outstanding Filipinos who embody the best in our people and are recognized for their steadfast commitment to inspire change for others to emulate,” Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña said. 

“Their stories of triumph and resilience inspire us, as individuals and as a community, to strengthen our commitment to building a better future for our nation. It is our privilege to let their light shine so that many more may benefit from their example,” he added.

For academe, this year’s awardees are teachers Mary Jane Ramo of Tonggo Elementary School in Misamis Occidental, Alma Janagap of Pavia National High School in Iloilo, Aimee Marie Gragasin of Philippine Science High School-Cagayan Valley Campus in Nueva Vizcaya and Carla Dimalanta of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

The awardees for the military are Major Francis Señoron of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Lt. Col. Danilo Facundo of the Marine Corps Force Development Center and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ryan Seguin of the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron of Basa Air Base Philippine Air Force.

For the police, this year’s awardees are Senior Police Officer 1 Aida Awitin of the Davao Occidental Police Provincial Office, Senior Inspector Dennis Ebsolo of the Villanueva Municipal Police Station in Misamis Oriental and Senior Superintendent Pascual Muñoz of the Philippine National Police Directorate for Logistics.

The awardees were chosen for initiating programs beyond their duties that influence the people in their respective communities.

“Their works must have transformed a community with a positive impact on the people and country,” the foundation said.

Ramo was recognized for her work to promote indigenous peoples’ culture and environment protection. Janagap was cited for advocating literacy and a culture of reading among students.

Gragasin was honored for initiating an intensive internship program that allows her students to immerse themselves in actual research and work contexts. Dimalanta was recognized for her work on climate change and disaster risk reduction.

Señoron was feted for developing counter-explosive tools and conducting sector-specific training to various stakeholders. 

Facundo championed initiatives upholding diversity and equal opportunity within the military. Seguin was recognized both for his achievements as a fighter pilot and a mentor to a new generation of troops.

Awitin was involved in the institutionalization of a program that delivered basic social services to underprivileged communities.

Ebsolo initiated the use of horses in patrolling mountainous barangays in Cagayan de Oro, while Muñoz was recognized for implementing operational strategies that improved police services.

Metrobank Foundation said the awardees underwent a rigorous selection process and were selected from hundreds of nominees.

The panel that selected this year’s awardees was co-chaired by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara and Supreme Court Associate Justice Noel Tijam. 

Other members include Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, De La Salle Philippines president and former education secretary Armin Luistro, Philippine Business for Social Progress chairman Manuel Pangilinan, Rockwell Land president and chief executive officer Nestor Padilla and veteran journalist Ma. Teresa Vitug.

The awardees will receive a cash prize of P1 million each, a gold medallion and a trophy during the conferment ceremonies on Sept. 7.